Kelli said the most intelligent thing she could think of. "Oh!" "Face it, Kelli, Snippy isn’t as young as she used to be. She’s not equipped to handle the kind of work that has to be done to keep Fairyland running." Seeing the hurt expression darken her eyes, he said, "You don’t have to haul her to the dump, just be more selective in her chores. I bought everything I need to get her running again."
"I can’t afford—"
"I know." Logan pulled two slips of paper from his shirt pocket and showed them to her. "Here’s the receipt for the tractor. It’s paid in full and in your name." Feeling her distress, he continued, "It seems like a lot at first glance, but consider it’s the top of the line and warranted for three years. Plus they threw in the grass catcher and cart free."
"I still can’t afford it, Logan."
"Yes you can." He showed her the other piece of paper that had scribbles across it. "See, I figured it out. You could pay me back a small amount every month during the tourist season. In a few years the tractor will be paid for."
Kelli glanced at the final monthly payment and raised an eyebrow. "That’s it?" He nodded. "How many years?"
"Five," he mumbled.
She sighed. Five years of payments. A brand-new tractor with a cart. No more using the wheelbarrow for transporting wood. It was so tempting. "What about interest?"
Logan hid his smile. He knew she’d be hell to convince. "Since the money was sitting in an ordinary savings account, I only charged you five and a half percent." There was no way he’d allow her to make payments for the next five years, but first he had to get her to accept the tractor. He’d figure out a way to stop the payments later.
She sank her teeth into her lower lip and studied the paper clutched in her hand. It was a godsend, but since she hadn’t received many of those in her life she hesitated. The payments seemed ridiculously small, but even small payments have a way of looking monstrous when the checkbook reads zero. She reread the amounts and knew she’d never get a better deal. She already planned on going out to work immediately after Fairyland closed for the season. With Ruth and Henry, expenses had skyrocketed and the meager income Fairyland provided couldn’t support all three of them. Kelli calculated that if she worked for those five months every year, they would manage just fine. A smile curved her mouth; she could even meet the payments on her new tractor.
"I’d do it, on a couple of conditions. Number one, don’t you ever again buy anything else for me or Fairyland without my approval."
"Agreed to the Fairyland stipulation, but I’ll buy you whatever I want. I just won’t buy you anything pertaining to business."
Kelli smiled at her first victory. "I also want the payment schedule drawn up legally, so I can sign it."
Logan smiled as he ran his thumb over her lower lip. "Agreed to, Counselor. Are you sure you never wanted to be a lawyer?" Her "Positive" was muffled against his lips. When the kiss threatened to engulf them, he slowly concluded it with a series of light nips. "That was to seal the bargain."
"I thought that had nothing to do with us?"
He leaned forward and kissed the corner of her mouth. "It doesn’t, but you have irresistible lips." With a subtle movement of his lower body he said, "You have quite a few things that are irresistible. If we didn’t have a crowd of people standing outside this door, I’d show you what every one of them was."
A teasing light gleamed in her eyes as she opened the door and whispered, "Promises, promises."
#
Kelli and Logan spent a busy afternoon hauling debris. The new tractor, which Kelli lovingly christened Patton after Ben’s hero, ran like a champ. After dinner they played a game of checkers for the benefit of Ruth and Henry, who enjoyed their lighthearted banter. When the elderly couple retired for the evening, Kelli and Logan made quick work of any chores that needed to be done. He had shooed her into the bathroom with a kiss.
When the shower started Logan made a quick trip to the car and then headed for Kelli’s room. The water was still running when he entered the bathroom and joined her.
Kelli felt the draft of cold air as the shower curtain moved to allow him to step into the tub. Her arms were raised, working conditioner into her hair. Without opening her eyes she said, "Logan?"
His voice held a husky chuckle. "Whom else were you expecting?"
"I wasn’t expecting anyone," she murmured as she stepped under the spray.
His heart pounded and the breath caught in his throat as the water cascaded over her body. She looks like a water nymph. I wonder if they’re members of the fairy family? Her breasts were high and firm as she ran her fingers through her hair. A slim waist and a womanly flare of hips tapered off into luscious thighs, shapely calves, and dainty toes complete with red toenail polish. His gaze was drawn to the mass of wet golden curls at the junction of her thighs. Desire flared in his abdomen and his body stirred into arousal. He picked up a bar of soap and lathered her back.
After her initial surprise she relaxed into his massaging hands. Warmth spread through her limbs as the exotic combination of soap, water, and Logan filled her senses. When Logan had first stepped into the tub she had felt self-conscious and nervous. I’m standing under bright lights, completely naked, with a stringy mass of soaking wet hair. That’s it, girl, entice the socks right off him. Be alluring, sexy, and soggy. It drives men into rages of passion. A small smile tilted up the corner of her mouth as she looked over her shoulder at the man who was spending an extremely long time on one little back.
The heat of his gaze caused the level of steam to rise as she took the bar of soap from his hand. With gentle small circles she worked a lather into his chest, over his shoulders, and down bulging biceps.
He closed his eyes as delicate fingers worked their way up hardened thighs. When the tips of her fingers gently stroked his rigid manhood, he groaned and pulled her into his arms. "Enough!" He hauled her under the water with him and sputtered, "Lord, woman, you’re dangerous." As the last of the suds sailed down the drain he turned off the water and stepped out of the tub with her in his arms.
He carefully stood her on her feet and wrapped her in a fluffy green bath towel. Reaching for the other towel he started to tenderly dry her hair. "Where’s your hair dryer?"
"Under the sink." As he retrieved the dryer, she got another towel from the closet and patted his back dry. The blast of hot air whipped her hair around as she continued to blot him dry.
Logan bit his lip and silently groaned as Kelli patted an extremely sensitive area. "Enjoying yourself?"
Kelli dried the responsive spot for the fifth time and murmured, "A woman’s work is never done." Dry golden hair cascaded down her back as he picked her up, turned off the light, and carried her into the bedroom. She was snuggling his neck when the perfumed scent of roses enveloped her. Raising her head she stared in awe at the dozen long-stemmed red roses sitting in a crystal vase on her dresser. "Oh, my!"
Logan grinned at the look of joy on her face. "Yep, all yours."
She was about to thank him properly when a flash of silver caught her attention. Next to the bed sat an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne sticking out of a mound of ice. Two delicate-looking glasses sat near the bucket. With a raised eyebrow she asked, "Are you trying to seduce me?"
In a devilish voice he said, "Yes, is it working?" She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. Slowly breaking the heated kiss, she whispered, "Yes."
Logan felt the only barrier between them slip down her breasts. With one quick tug he dispensed with the towel and placed an adoring kiss on each of the pouting nipples. He walked the two paces to the bed and lowered her to the turned-down sheets.
Kelli let loose a shriek when the icy coldness of the sheets connected with the heated skin of her back. "Dammit, Logan."
He studied the woman, who had flown back into his arms, as she pointed down at the bed. What the hell? Nothing was there except brand-new shimmering white satin sheets that still held the crease marks from the packagi
ng. "What’s wrong?"
"What are they?"
A frown pulled at his brows as he asked, "You don’t like satin sheets?"
Kelli hid her smile against his chest. "I wouldn’t know. I’ve never slept on any."
"Then what’s the problem?"
"Where did you have them, in the freezer?"
"No, the car." With dawning horror he reached down and felt the sheet. "Yep, they’re still nippy around the edges. Sorry about that."
He is a romantic. Roses, champagne, and satin sheets, what could be next? With an indignant sniff, she said, "Sure you are, it wasn’t your bottom hitting the iceberg."
Logan let out an Indian war cry and flopped down on the bed, still cradling her in his arms. Kelli heard his sudden intake of breath and giggled. She squirmed about until she was positioned perfectly on top of him. Placing her elbows on his chest, she raised her head and smiled down at him. "Gee, Logan, these sheets are great."
Gritting his teeth, he muttered, "Be quiet, and stop moving around."
She grinned and wiggled her hips at a persistent bulge that was nudging the inside of her thigh. "I think I feel the tip of the iceberg?"
Logan groaned and pulled her mouth down for a heated kiss. As the kiss intensified, he quickly prepared himself and settled her seeking hips over him.
Kelli slowly lowered herself and sighed. "Nine tenths was below the surface."
#
Logan replaced the empty bottle in the bucket of melted ice and hugged the woman at his side closer. "I told you the sheets would warm up."
She couldn’t decide if she preferred the rich sinfulness of the cool sheets or the rough, warm strength of Logan. A secret smile curved her lips as she snuggled closer to him. No contest. "Warm up? I was wondering if they were flame retardant."
A chuckle vibrated deep in his chest as he shifted his weight and pulled her deeper under the quilt. "Flames, hmmm . . . you say the sweetest things."
"It’s the champagne talking."He nipped at her lower lip and murmured, "You’re sure you never had champagne before?"
"Positive. I would have remembered the bubbles." She sighed as his lips trailed down her neck. "I’ve also never received red roses. Thank you, Logan."
He forced his mind off the luscious body beneath him and concentrated on the woman. She’d never had roses, champagne, or satin sheets. Lord, where are the men around here? Didn’t anyone ever notice the woman beneath the fairy costumes?
With a gentle brush of his finger, he pushed a stray piece of hair off her flushed cheek. He gazed down into her smiling gray eyes and said, "I love you, Kelli SantaFe."
She blinked and stared up into the sincerity shining from his darkened eyes. He did love her. Joy radiated from her as she wrapped her arms around his neck and with a tear-filled voice whispered, "I love you."
Logan kissed away the drop of moisture from the corner of her eye. "Please, Kelli, don’t cry. I know we have a lot to work out, but we will work it out."
"I wasn’t crying about that. I always cry when I’m happy."
He placed a tender kiss on the end of her nose. "Then I better buy stock in the company that makes Kleenex, because I plan on making it my life’s mission to see you’re always happy." He captured her sigh of contentment and turned it into a moan of ecstasy.
#
Logan glanced up from his mail and smiled as Kelli walked into the kitchen. She was dressed in a sparkling white leotard with a silvery-threaded sheer billowing skirt. Her hair was braided into a coronet with silver ribbons running through it, and a pair of shimmering wings completed the outfit. "You look sexy as hell."
She glanced down at her fairy outfit and curtsied. "Thanks, but I wasn’t trying for sexy. I have a group of sixty-three first-graders arriving in one hour."
"I still can’t believe you have seven tours lined up already and you’re not officially open."
"That’s okay, I’m not officially charging them." With a shrug of her shoulder she asked, "Is everything set up by the theater?"
"For the third times, yes." He chuckled and said, "You’re not used to delegating. The tables for the drinks and cookies are up."
She leaned down and kissed the corner of his mouth. "Thanks."
"How do you expect to make a profit if you don’t charge for the school tours? The small amount you do charge only covers the cost of the punch and cookies you provide."
"I couldn’t live with myself, if I had to make a living off six-year-old kids." A dreamy smile lit her face as she said, "Wait until you see their faces. It’s magic. For one day they’re allowed to believe in fairies, pots of gold, and magical kingdoms underground.
Logan stared at her expression and saw the magic. He tenderly traced her cheek and said, "You believe, that’s why they believe."
Kelli felt a fiery blush sweep up her cheek and quickly turned toward the refrigerator. She opened the door and said, "Grown-ups don’t believe in such rubbish."
He studied her back as she poured herself a glass of milk. Maybe grown-ups don’t believe, but Kelli did. During the past two weeks they had become friends and lovers. They had worked side by side during the day getting Fairyland ready for its opening the next Friday night, when the drama club would present A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Each evening she had listened to his hopes and fears for his career. The nights were spent in each other’s arms.
With a glance at the letter still in his hand, he asked, "What do you think of Utah?"
"Utah?" A thoughtful expression crossed her face as she answered, "Salt, Mormons, and a bunch of large white-toothed singers come to mind. Why?"
"I just received a request for an interview there next week."
Kelli fought the panic threatening to overpower her—Utah was over two thousand miles away. He’s asking your opinion, be supportive and understanding. Oh, hell, tell him not to go. "Is it what you’ve been looking for?"
He glanced from her confused expression back to the letter. "It’s more. I won’t be part of a team, I’ll be heading it."
She plastered a smile on her face. "Congratulations, I say go for it."
Logan placed the letter on the table, stood up, and walked over to her. He gently cupped her chin and raised her face for his inspection. Tears were sparkling in her eyes as he asked, "What’s wrong? Don’t you like Utah?"
Kelli bit her lip and rapidly blinked her eyes to keep the tears from falling. With a ragged sigh, she said, "I’m going to miss you."
Logan laughed as he hauled her into his arms. "It will only be for a couple of days. I’ll be back before you’d miss me."
With the warmth of his arms supporting her she voiced her deepest fear. "Not then. I’ll miss you when you move there."
He stiffened and backed up a step. Looking into her eyes he said, "You’d be coming with me."
Startled, she asked, "Me? Why?"
"Because it’s customary for a husband and wife to live together."
Kelli opened her mouth: when nothing came out she snapped it shut.
Marriage! He was talking about marriage, families, and happily ever after.
He was talking about giving up Fairyland and moving to Utah. She gazed up and locked eyes with the man she loved. She’d move to Afghanistan to be with him—how much worse could Utah be? Still mad at the panic he’d caused in her, she said, "You could at least have asked me."
With a flourish, Logan knelt on one knee and gently grasped her cold hands. "Kelli SantaFe, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Her face radiated love as she said, "It would be my pleasure." The next instant she found herself being kissed senseless, wrapped in his secure arms. A giggle escaped her as Logan muttered an oath concerning the wings attached to her back.
A series of small nips ended the kiss and he stepped back and promised, "We’ll finish this later. Your guests will be arriving in twenty minutes and I told Ruth I’d help her pass out the cookies she baked." His hand was gentle as he secured a wayward curl into her braid. "Lord, I
can’t believe I just proposed to a fairy."
Kelli beamed and lovingly kissed his cheek. "It’s my glamour." She walked to the door and said, "I have to go, I’ll see you at the cookie table later."
He started to pick up the mail, then stopped. "Kelli, do you want any children?"
"Hundreds," was followed by a kiss blown from her fingertips as she shut the door. Logan swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. She did say hundreds, didn’t she? Impossible, no woman could have hundreds, but then again Kelli wasn’t your average woman. Two kids would be nice. A boy to carry on the name and a darling girl who believed in fairies and was the spitting image of her mother. He placed the mail on top of the refrigerator and headed out the door. Then again, four kids had a nice ring to it.
#
Kelli greeted two busloads of loud boisterous children with a smile. This was the best part of owning Fairyland, guiding a youngster into his imagination. Teachers and homeroom mothers gladly turned the tour over to her as she quickly assembled sixty-two antsy six-year-olds on the benches in the theater.
Logan sat spellbound at the rear of the theater as Kelli told stories about some well-known fairies. She was magical. The children listened wide-eyed to every word she said. She told them tales of Irish chieftains and the fairy hills of the Tuatha De Danann and a mischief-maker named Robin Goodfellow. She explained how a fairy was invisible to a person, unless it wanted to be seen, and why never to step into a fairy ring.
He watched as she captivated every child with legends of heroic deeds and the power of love. The children cheered the fairy knight, Midhir, as he won the mortal woman, Etain, from her evil husband. Loud hisses and boos were yelled at the Leshiye, the forest fairies of Russia, who were known for their nasty tricks. They listened as she explained how the world’s population increase had caused some serious problems for the fairies of the world. There is no place they can call home. Since they are invisible to people, they live in constant fear of being stepped upon.
Kelli lowered her voice and said, "Five years ago a delegation from the F.F.F.F. came to my cottage and asked if they could take up residence on the property. Imagine my surprise when I could hold the whole entire delegation of twenty-five in the palm of my hand." She held up her hand and a collective sigh filled the theater.
Satin Sheets and Strawberries Page 12
